The Athletic’s tennis writers, Matthew Futterman and Charlie Eccleshare, outline the biggest women’s tennis storylines for the 2026 season. Sabalenka and Świątek are undoubtedly the two best players in the world. They are the only two to hold the No. 1 ranking since Ash Barty retired, at the top of tennis, in March 2022. That is a lot of data.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Nick Kyrgios won the latest version of the “Battle of the Sexes” in tennis, beating top-ranked women’s player Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match that represented light entertainment rather than another landmark moment for gender equality.

Naomi Osaka admits she is not fully sure what's happening with her illness, but remains hopeful that she will be fine in 12 when the Australian Open starts. In her United Cup debut, the top-ranked Japanese female tennis player appeared in two singles matches and went 1-1.

Get ready for a massive day of tennis across the Tasman. From Aryna Sabalenka's first match of 2026 to Venus Williams' season kickoff and a winner-take-all United Cup showdown between Australia and Czechia,

Alex Eala is seeded fourth in the WTA ASB Classic starting Monday at the ASB tennis Center in Auckland, New Zealand.